Pauline Dennigan

Pauline Dennigan

How I Work

This is a brief approach (up to 6 sessions) designed to help people develop the inner resources to accept what has happened and to move on in life. FACT uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies to help people change their relationship with distressing experiences, such as disturbing thoughts, unpleasant emotions, painful memories, or uncomfortable physical symptoms. We focus on awareness of the moment in any given situation, building openness to your inner experience and engagement in valued activities that increase vitality in your life.

Proven effective for:
  • Anxiety disorders including panic disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Management of physical pain
  • Coping with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes
  • Low mood
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression (mild to moderate)
  • Change of role in personal or work life

Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT)

CBT is a an evidence-based psychotherapy that involves clear goals and in-between session practice. This approach helps you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and resulting behaviours that may be causing issues in your life. CBT helps you view challenging situations more clearly and respond more effectively. You will typically focus on present issues with less exploration of the past. CBT is a short-term therapy (8 to 12 sessions) and is sometimes used in combination with other approaches. 

Proven effective for:
  • Low mood
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression (mild to moderate)
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Peri and postnatal depression
  • Menopause Transition
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Change of role in personal or work life

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This is a proven approach for low mood, anxiety and depression that helps people to improve their interpersonal relationships and in doing so, alleviate suffering. IPT encompasses the science of Attachment Theory (how you relate to yourself and your role in relating to others). This is used to inform how we cope in difficult situations and how we react to everyday stressors. Using this understanding, we gradually work towards more flexible ways of thinking and behaving. 

Proven effective for:
  • Low mood
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression (mild to severe)
  • Anxiety
  • Peri and postnatal depression
  • Menopause Transition
  • Change of role in personal or work life

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

For this reason, I may use one approach, or integrate a number of approaches that are shown to be effective through scientific research. However, it's not just about the approach, the working relationship between us is very important; I am here to fully understand, accept and validate what you are going through. Psychotherapy will increase your understanding of yourself and how you currently cope with life's challenges. Identifying what you would like to change will inform how we work together. I take into account past or current adverse/traumatic experiences, your life stage, current underlying health issues if any, and what is most likely to improve your daily functioning.

No two clients are the same...

Some of the approaches I use:

The first session in -person or online involves a lot of information gathering including what brought you to therapy and the potential outcomes you would like to see happen. Sessions last up to 60 minutes. Feeling apprehensive or nervous coming to your first session is both common and perfectly normal.

First Session

03.

Once you've made a booking, I will send you the intake paperwork that can be completed and submitted online before our first session. 

Intake Paperwork

02.

Get In Contact

If you feel like you are ready to commit to an initial session, go ahead and email me (Pauline) at info@pdpsychotherapy.ie with a preferred day(s) and time(s). If you have read the FAQs and are still not sure, please book a free 10 minute phone conversation.

01.

I know that when you're struggling, it can be difficult to take the first steps towards seeking support.

How It Works

Client name withheld for confidentiality

Pauline helped me to let go of what I couldn't change. She really listened and offered clear insights when I was trying to make sense of where I was at.

CLIENT NAME WITHHELD FOR CONFIDENTIALITY

Going to therapy has been one of the best decisions I have made. Pauline listened, validated, and helped me understand myself better.

Client name withheld for confidentiality

Pauline's patience and empathy has given me the breathing space I needed to slow my racing thoughts. The techniques she guided me through means I now have the ability and self-control to cope in difficult situations.

client name withheld for confidentiality

I found it easier than I anticipated to open up about difficult events in my life because Pauline was naturally compassionate. She helped me to understand patterns of behaviour in my current relationships that were shaped by the past. I feel very hopeful for my life ahead knowing that I'm not stuck. I have already become more decisive.